DIY: Try a new game in an Improbable world

Worlds Adrift, Bossa Studios

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Currently, one of the major drawbacks in virtual worlds like Second Life, Landmark Game, and most MMOs is lag. If the program is trying to render too much in-world stuff or too many players are in one area at a time, a user experiences slower player input to game reaction times. Sometimes this is the result of the equipment the user is using, sometimes its caused by latency.

Some fellows at Cambridge University are developing a new type of engine that may change the nature of MMOs (Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games). This is how they describe their work:

Improbable is developing an operating environment that makes building simulated worlds possible. Worlds which can be run in real time, simulating the behaviours and interactions of millions of entities. Spaces with their own rules and properties that a multitude of people can simultaneously change, explore and visualise in as many different ways as developers can imagine.

Simulated worlds provide unique insight to those asking questions of complex systems. As well as enabling completely new experiences in gaming, simulated worlds can solve significant problems in areas as diverse as defence, energy, city efficiency, health, and finance.

Gamemaker Bossa Studios is working on a project based on this engine called Worlds Adrift. The folks at Bossa Studios want us to be "a part of the development and let us know what you think." You can sign up by entering your email address at the site. Here's one of their latest videos.

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There is a Worlds Adrift channel on YouTube. If you like your information filtered and expanded, keep an eye out for Rock, Paper, Shotgun's always interesting reports.

News of Improbable and Worlds Adrift was first caught by me at New World Notes.

-- Marge